Justine’s Story
Navigating life in the United States as a newly arrived refugee can be daunting and uncertain—but it can also instill renewed hope for the future and healing from the past.
Justine embodies the notion of not only starting from scratch but also cultivating something new. She grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where she married and later raised nine children. Justine had always longed for each of her kids to receive an education.
However, hardship in the Congo made it extremely difficult to access resources. “We lived in very tiresome situations. We were constantly running away from danger. It was even difficult to get food. Sometimes, the stores would be completely closed.” As a result,Justine and her family fled to Burundi, where they were eventually able to apply for refugee status and be formally resettled in Indiana.
Upon arrival, Justine knew that her kids would finally attend school in the United States. However, she had yet to comprehend just how far she would go on her own educational journey.
On the first day of Cultural Orientation at Exodus, Justine and her family were each given an English placement test. As most students began to write their names and the date on paper, Justine laughed and said “Sijui Kiingereza,” which is Swahili for “I don’t know English.” followed by “Siwezi kuandika,” or “I can’t write.”
Our English teachers quickly recognized that Justine had never learned how to read or write in her own native language—Swahili. This is a common occurrence among the many clients we welcome at Exodus.
Thankfully, our education team is well-equipped to serve and teach a variety of learners, including those like Justine. A week later, Justine was enrolled and attending an in-person literacy class at the Exodus office. “Learning English is hard, especially the writing. But here, I’ve been learning how to write!”
Instantly, Justine became a beacon of joy and determination in class. Her laugh never ceased to spread through the Exodus hallways even on the most difficult days. Justine rarely missed a class—despite cold weather or delayed bus routes to the office. “I never had the chance to learn English in the Congo… or even to go to school. Now that I have that chance here, I am very disciplined and determined to learn.”
Justine did not solely attend English class to learn the language—she came to foster community in a brand-new home. The language barrier did not discourage her from making friends with classmates. “When I get here for school, I feel so happy because we are always talking and there is always something to communicate. I have made so many new friends at Exodus, even the teachers, my case manager and employment specialist… they are all my friends.”
Justine’s determination paid off. After months of consistent attendance, she graduated from Literacy class. Then, she moved on to Level 1 English, where the focus was no longer on how to read or write for the first time, but how to complete assignments, fill out forms, speak, listen, and engage with the English language even further.
Graduating from Literacy is a monumental achievement on its own—but Justine did not stop there. She also advanced from Level 1 to Level 2, which she currently attends.
“I have new confidence with many new English words that I never knew before. Even though I haven’t yet learned how to pronounce all of them yet, I know a lot of new words that people can understand. I now use them when I go to the Exodus office, to the bank and to the market. My favorite words in English are “Hi!” and “Thank you!”
From never having learned how to read or write in Swahili, to reading, writing and speaking in English, Justine humbly represents the value of investing in our humanitarian immigrant communities. In Justine’s case, her goals were heavily oriented towards her children.
“I am happy and very joyful over the fact that my children are attending school. That was always my biggest dream for them.
Because of your support, Justine was able to build a dream for herself, too. Now, she even has the skills to help her children with their homework and navigate the U.S public school system. Education was always destined for Justine- and she now wants others to have the same chance.
“Something I wish for other refugees like me is to have an opportunity to learn English because it is such an important skill.”
As a donor, your support gives refugees like Justine the opportunity to learn a new language, cultivate friendship in an unfamiliar place, and live in safety. “Here in Indiana, life is good. We are safe and we are free to live as we wish. We are no longer running.”
